Friday, May 25, 2018

“This Little Light of Mine”

I don’t know about you but the end of the school year can be crazy and chaotic. Don’t get me wrong, it is fun! But it is also exhausting! There are award ceremonies, recitals, ball games, end of the year parties, etc... it begins to give you a false sense of reality. My life begins to become about a checklist, instead of about serving others ...instead of about Jesus.

I was jolted back to reality last weekend with the death of one of my very favorite people, my uncle Raymond. At his funeral it was said how much he focused on others and busied himself with serving other people. One of the many ways he loved to serve was in my grandmother’s garden. Every year, he would plant new flowers for my grandmother in her garden. He did love flowers, especially roses! When he entered the room he wanted to know what he could do to help you and how you were doing. He had a servant’s heart. Now he is restored and suffering no more. What peace to know he is now experiencing the life we are meant for, eternal life with Jesus.

This past week, while one of the hardest weeks, also reminded me what is most important. How am I living this life? Who am I living this for? Am I pouring out myself to others? “This Little Light of Mine,” while known as a kids song, is perfect for reminding us that the light of Jesus that we have inside us is to shine for others to see, “not hidden under a bushel.” Don’t let the brokenness of this world cause you to become so bitter that “you let satan blow it out.”

There are so many things I learned about life from Uncle Raymond. I learned how great the waves are just before a storm and that it's the best time to boogie board with my dad, my cousin Ryan, and my uncle. I learned that Rod Stewart music is the best, and I learned some great dance moves to go with it! I learned that a smile and a pat on the back can be the touch someone else might need.

Serve others. Love others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Most importantly KNOW JESUS! Know that Jesus came into this world and died for you and me so that we may have eternal life with Him. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 ESV) 

My prayer for you is that you ask and answer these questions for yourself and that ultimately you know Jesus, love Him and live your life serving and loving others through Jesus Christ.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV


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